As contemporary as it is, the huge vaccine-autism debate has caused different implications on the population, which is still suffering the repercussions. Since the publication of Wakefield’s study, the percent of MMR vaccinated children in England dropped from 92 to 80%, which signifies an increase in measles, mumps and rubella cases all around the country (Callahan 6). Moreover, according to the World Health Organization, every year 2.5 million unvaccinated children die of diseases preventable by vaccines; a number that has been increasing in the last years due to vaccine hesitancy (Downs 6). Ironically, as mentioned before, the autism cases are increasing each year, and no possible solutions seem to emerge. The debate even poses a threat to autism organizations, which need to be extremely careful on their position on the subject. For example, Generation Rescue states on their website that administering vaccines is a solely decision of the parents, who should consult with a physician what to do (“Frequently Asked Questions” 1). On the other hand, Autism Speaks’ website states that “vaccines are very important,” but they do leave the harsh decision to be taken by the parents alone (“Vaccines and Autism” 1). All in all, it seems that autism organizations opt for a gray zone in the vaccine-autism debate. Probably the worst implication is that the huge fuss created by the already discredited claim of vaccines and autism has drawn people away from the fact that vaccines are an important aspect of human health. The truth, rather unsurprisingly, is that there is actually evidence that backs up all the positive effects that vaccines have. As an illustration, the World Health Organization published a bulletin in 2008 dedicated solely to the importance of vaccines. Its title, “Vaccination Greatly Reduces Disease, Disability, Death, and Inequity Worldwide”, speaks by itself regarding the benefits that vaccines bring to the world. The writers elaborate on how vaccines are responsible for control of mortality, prevention of infection, prevention of developing antibiotic resistance, extending life expectancy, protection against bioterrorism, among others (Andre, et al.). Furthermore, vaccines
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Even after Wakefield’s study has been proven fraudulent, even after the Geier’s studies are described as scientifically inadequate, and even after dozens of studies have proven that there is no link between vaccines and autism, parents are still afraid and hesitate whether to vaccinate their kids or not. Although the Institute of Medicine, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Institute of Medicine all conclude that vaccines are not dangerous and do not cause autism, many parents still see vaccines as a threat to their children’s health. Bombarded by misleading information and confused by organizations that do not take a clear side, it is easy for any parent to believe “facts” delivered by the media, even when such facts do not have scientific bases. Such erroneous information fails to teach parents about all the benefits of vaccines, among which is saving their beloved children’s lives. Admittedly, vaccines are not perfect, but enough research has demonstrated that they do not cause autism and, thus, have a positive effect on children’s health. Parents’ minds will not change easily, and the vaccine-autism debate will continue for much longer, yet the more individuals that find out and understand the true facts about vaccines, the easier this crazy link will be
Even after Wakefield’s study has been proven fraudulent, even after the Geier’s studies are described as scientifically inadequate, and even after dozens of studies have proven that there is no link between vaccines and autism, parents are still afraid and hesitate whether to vaccinate their kids or not. Although the Institute of Medicine, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Institute of Medicine all conclude that vaccines are not dangerous and do not cause autism, many parents still see vaccines as a threat to their children’s health. Bombarded by misleading information and confused by organizations that do not take a clear side, it is easy for any parent to believe “facts” delivered by the media, even when such facts do not have scientific bases. Such erroneous information fails to teach parents about all the benefits of vaccines, among which is saving their beloved children’s lives. Admittedly, vaccines are not perfect, but enough research has demonstrated that they do not cause autism and, thus, have a positive effect on children’s health. Parents’ minds will not change easily, and the vaccine-autism debate will continue for much longer, yet the more individuals that find out and understand the true facts about vaccines, the easier this crazy link will be